ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
MHA’s decisions regarding UT of Chandigarh
The Ministry of Home Affairs  has taken the following actions with regard to the Union Territory  of Chandigarh:
1). The UT/Chandigarh administration has been advised that it may be made optional for Sikh women, riding a two wheeler or sitting pillion, to wear protective head gear, as per the extant practice in Delhi.
2). The UT/ Chandigarh administration has also been advised that in filling up civil posts, the ratio of 60:40 may be used as between Punjab and Haryana, wherever it is being followed conventionally.
3). The notification of MHA dated 25.09.2018 merging the posts of DSPs of Chandigarh Police with DANIPS has been kept in abeyance till further orders.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Social Protection to Transgender Community
During lockdown period in first wave of COVID pandemic, Ministry has provided financial assistance of Rs 85.66 lakhs to 5711 transgender persons as subsistence allowance of 1,500 per person and ration kit of Rs. 12.83 lakhs to 1,229 Transgender persons. Similar financial assistance was also provided during second wave of pandemic to 5,938 transgender persons incurring expenditure of Rs. 89.24 lakhs.
Ministry has issued an advisory for Transgender Persons for creating awareness about Covid appropriate behaviour, which is available on the official website of the Ministry.
Ministry has also written to the Principal Secretaries of all States to ensure that there is no discrimination against Transgender persons in existing Covid vaccination centres.
An emergency helpline was setup to provide psychological support through trained Psychologists to Transgender Persons in distress during pandemic.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme “SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”, which includes sub scheme -‘Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons’. The focus of the sub-scheme is on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities and intervention, counseling, education, skill development, economic linkages to the transgender persons.
This information was given by Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Study to Assess Impact of Tobacco Consumption on COVID Patients
Based on the available scientific evidence and consistent with the WHO statement on tobacco use and COVID-19 issued on 11 May 2020  , the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory on 28-07-2020 regarding “COVID-19 Pandemic and Tobacco use in India .
A copy of the said advisory is available at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/COVID19PandemicandTobaccoUseinIndia.pdf .
Available global and Indian scientific evidence suggest that tobacco is a major cause of premature deaths and is a major risk factor for various non-communicable diseases like cancer, cardio-vascular diseases, stroke, lung diseases etc. Various studies have also suggested that forty percent of the tuberculosis burden in India may be attributed to smoking.
Several steps have been taken by the Government to prevent tobacco consumption. Some of the major steps are as under;
- A comprehensive legislation, namely the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products  Act, 2003  to regulate the use of tobacco products has been enacted. The provisions under COTPA, 2003 and the Rules made thereunder mandate prohibition of smoking in public places; ban on sale of tobacco products to and by minors, sale of tobacco products within a radius of 100 yards of educational institutions; prohibition on direct and indirect advertising of tobacco products and mandatory display of specified health warnings.
- The National Tobacco Control Programme  was launched in 2007- 08 with the aim to  create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption,  ensure effective implementation of the provisions under COTPA, 2003  Set up tobacco cessation centres to help people quit tobacco use, and  facilitate implementation of strategies for prevention and control of tobacco advocated by WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control.
- Rules have been notified to regulate films and TV programmes depicting scenes of tobacco usage to spread awareness. Such films and TV programmes are statutorily required to run anti-tobacco health spots, disclaimers and static health warnings.
- Specified health warnings to cover 85% of the principal display area of tobacco product packs. The Quitline number, 1800112356, has been included in new specified health warnings.
- The Ministry has started National Tobacco Quitline to provide tobacco cessation services to the community and has launched a pan-India “mCessation” initiative to reach out to tobacco users who are willing to quit tobacco use and to support them towards successful quitting through text-messaging via mobile phones.
- Guidelines for Tobacco Free Educational Institutions  to implement Section-6 of COTPA, 2003 have been disseminated to States/UTs
- The Food Safety and Standards Regulations  issued in 2011 under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 lay down that tobacco and nicotine cannot be used as ingredients in Food Products.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, DrBharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Education
7529 suggestions have been received on HECI Draft Bill as on 15th July, 2018
The Ministry has prepared a draft Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2018 for repeal of the University Grants Commission  Actand setting up Higher Education Commission of India  for promoting the quality of academic instruction, maintenance of academic standards and autonomy of higher educational institutions for free pursuit of knowledge, innovation, incubation, skills and entrepreneurship, and for facilitating access, inclusion and opportunities to all, and providing for comprehensive and holistic growth of higher education and research in a competitive global environment.
The Ministry has put the draft Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2018 in public domain on 27.06.2018 for seeking comments and suggestions from educationists, stakeholders and general public before 20.07.2018. As on 15thJuly, 2018, 7529 suggestions/comments covering Members of Parliament, State Governments, academicians, teacher unions, Chambers of Commerce, students etc. have been received and appropriate changes are being made in the draft Bill based on public feedback.
The grant disbursal function to Universities and Colleges is now proposed to be located in an entity which works in a transparent, merit-based approach through an ICT enabled platform.
This information was given by the Minister of State , Dr. Satya Pal Singh today in a written reply to a Rajya Sabha question.
Ministry of Culture
Archaeological Survey of India illuminates 100 Monuments in Tri-color to celebrate the landmark achievement of 100 crore vaccinations
Key Highlight
- The illumination of monument is an expression of gratitude towards corona warriors - vaccinators, sanitation staff, paramedical, auxiliary workers, police personnel
- The 100 monuments lit up in Tri-color include UNESCO World Heritage Sites also
The Archaeological Survey of India of Ministry of Culture is illuminating 100 Monuments in Tri-color across the country as India achieved the landmark milestone of administrating 100 crore COVID vaccinations in one of the World’s largest and fastest vaccination drive. The illumination is taking place as a mark of respect and gratitude to corona warriors who have contributed relentlessly in the fight against covid pandemic.
Humayun’s Tomb
The 100 monuments being lit up in Tri-color include UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and QutbMinar in Delhi, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh, Konark Temple in Odisha, MamallapuramRath temples in Tamil Nadu, St Francis of Assisi Church in Goa, Khajuraho, the forts of Chittor and Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan, the excavated ruins of the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar and Dholavira  in Gujarat.
Sun Temple, Konark
Red Fort
To express gratitude towards corona warriors - vaccinators, sanitation staff, paramedical, auxiliary workers, police personnel etc., who have worked beyond their call of duty to help the Country face the pandemic effectively and for their selfless services to the humankind the 100 monuments will remain lit in Tri-Color on the night of 21st October 2021 as India achieved the landmark 100 crore vaccination mark.
Khajuraho
Vaccination played an important role in controlling the spread of the virus and halting the third wave and by administrating 100 crore COVID vaccine doses India becomes the only country along with China to be in the billion-dose club.
Kindly click to see the list of 100 monuments identified for illumination
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Amendment in Hazardous Waste  Rules, 2016
In order to strengthen the implementation of environmentally sound management of hazardous waste in the country, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has amended the Hazardous and Other Wastes  Rules, 2016 vide notification G.S.R. G.S.R. XX , dated 01 March 2019.
The amendment has been done keeping into consideration the “Ease of Doing Business” and boosting “Make in India” initiative by simplifying the procedures under the Rules, while at the same time upholding the principles of sustainable development and ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
Some of the salient features of the Hazardous and Other Wastes  Amendment Rules, 2019 are as follows:
- Solid plastic waste has been prohibited from import into the country including in Special Economic Zones  and by Export Oriented Units .
- Exporters of silk waste have now been given exemption from requiring permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Electrical and electronic assemblies and components manufactured in and exported from India, if found defective can now be imported back into the country, within a year of export, without obtaining permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Industries which do not require consent under Water  Act 1974 and Air  Act 1981, are now exempted from requiring authorization also under the Hazardous and Other Wastes  Rules, 2016, provided that hazardous and other wastes generated by such industries are handed over to the authorized actual users, waste collectors or disposal facilities.
Ministry of Power
Conference of States Power Ministers to be held at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
A conference of Ministers for Power, New & Renewable Energy of States & Union Territories will be held on 3rd July at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The Conference will be inaugurated by Shri R K Singh, Union Minister of State  for Power and New & Renewable Energy. The aim of this one-day conference is to review the implementation of various ongoing Schemes/ Programmes & deliberate on a host of issues pertaining to Power and Renewable Energy sectors.
Ministers and Secretaries of the States and Union territories and senior officials of the power & renewable energy sectors and Public Sector Undertakings under them will meet up to discuss issues like- 100 per cent Household Electrification  by December, 2018, UDAY performance assessment, shifting to prepaid system in three years and 24X7 Power for All – From 1st April 2019.
Further, the delegates will discuss the proposed draft amendments in the provision of Captive Generating Plant in Electricity Rules, 2005 and flexibility in utilization of Coal. Discussion will also be held on promoting environment friendly measures such as- setting up of Charging Infrastructure for E-vehicle, review of progress on adoption of Energy Conservation Building Code  by the States and the UTs and establishment of standalone SDA for effective implementation of Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency Programmes.
In the area of Renewable Energy, the Conference will discuss several important issues such as - compliance of RPO targets, preparation of month wise plans for bidding solar & wind capacity by State/UT, review of Solar Parks and Solar Rooftop Program.
Apart from above aspects, automatic exemption from land ceiling act for RE power projects, free intra-state transmission for solar/wind power and fast provision of Right of Way  for evacuation facility being set up by CTUs will also be discussed. In addition to it, deliberations will be held on issues relating to Small Hydro Power and Biomass Power.
New emerging technologies in RE sector like floating solar, wind solar hybrid, offshore wind and storage will also be taken up for discussion.
The concluding session of the conference would consist of comments and feedback by States/UTs and adoption of Conference Resolution by the delegates.
Ministry of External Affairs
Two Air India Express special flights bring home 369 Indian citizens to Mumbai from Bucharest and Budapest.
Mumbai, March 4, 2022
Two Air India Express special flights arrived in Mumbai today  bringing home 369 Indian citizens from Ukraine.
The first batch of 185 passengers landed in Mumbai at 2 a.m. early Friday from Bucharest by Air India Express flight IX 1204. The passengers were received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Railways, Coal and Mines Raosaheb Patil Danve. Shri Danve interacted with the students. He informed the students about the help desk set up by the Government of India to avoid any inconvenience for further travel. Railway reservation facility for the homebound students is also available at the airport. The students appreciated the work done by the Government of India to bring them back home safely, tweeted the Minister.
The second batch of 184 Passengers from Budapest by Air India Express flight AXB 1602 landed at 12.00 p.m. Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi received the passengers. “Government is working on mission mode to bring back stranded Indian Citizens by launching ‘Operation Ganga’” tweeted Shri Naqvi.
Flights under Operation Ganga have recently been increased. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has evacuated 1,428 people, operating 7 flights thus far using its C-17 Globemaster aircraft. All these flights arrive at the Hindon Air Base near Delhi.
The MEA Control Room, as well as the Control Centres operated by Indian Embassies in Ukraine, Poland, Romania Hungary and Slovak Republic, continue to operate on 24x7 basis.
PIB Mum | JPS/ Samar/PK
Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com
(Visitor Counter : 218
Ministry of Defence
“EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS-23” SET TO COMMENCE IN FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA, USA – INDIAN CONTINGENT DEPARTS
The 19th edition of “EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS” will be conducted from 25th September to 8th October 2023 in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA. It is an annual exercise conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the United States Army. The previous edition of the Exercise was conducted in Auli, Uttarakhand, India in November 2022.
Indian Army contingent comprising of 350 personnel will participate in this edition of the Exercise. The lead battalion from Indian side is affiliated to MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment. 1-24 Infantry Battalion of 1st Brigade Combat Team will participate from the US side. Both sides will practice a series of tactical drills to enhance interoperability in conducting UN peacekeeping operations. Personnel from both sides will also hold detailed discussions to share their experiences and best practices. The theme of the Exercise is ‘Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/ Extreme Climatic Conditions’ under Chapter VII of United Nations mandate.
A Command Post Exercise and Expert Academic Discussions on selected topics will also form part of the schedule. The scope of the Field Training Exercise includes validation of Integrated Battle Groups against hostile forces at the Brigade level, Integrated Surveillance Grid at the Brigade/ Battalion level, employment of Heliborne/ Airborne elements and Force Multipliers, validation of logistics and casualty management during operations, evacuation and combat medical aid and other aspects as applicable to High Altitude Areas and Extreme Climatic Conditions.
The Exercise will also involve exchange of views and best practices in drills on a wide spectrum of combat skills including combat engineering, obstruction clearance, mine and Improvised Explosive Devices warfare. “EX YUDH ABHYAS-23” will facilitate both Armies to mutually learn from each other and further strengthen the bonds between the two armies.
Prime Minister's Office
Telephone Conversation between PM and Sultan of Oman
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on telephone today with His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman.
The two leaders discussed the health and economic challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the steps being taken by their respective countries to respond to them. They agreed that both countries would extend all possible support to each other in dealing with the crisis.
His Majesty The Sultan assured PM about the safety and wellbeing of the Indian community in Oman in the present situation. He also thanked PM for the recent support provided by Government of India to Omani citizens in India.
Prime Minister reiterated his condolences for the demise of HM Late Sultan Qaboos. He conveyed his best wishes for HM Sultan Haitham’s reign, and for the peace and prosperity of the people of Oman. He stressed that India regards Oman as a very important part of its extended neighbourhood.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Availability of fertilizers is comfortable across the country:Gowda
Agriculture Minister of Telangana Sri Singireddy Niranjan Reddy meets Shri Gowda regarding availability of urea in the State
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri D V Sadananda Gowda has said that there has been significant spurt in demand for Fertilizers across the country due to ongoing Kharif season. To fulfill this requirement, Shri Gowda said that the Government is working in close coordination with producers and State Governments.
Union Minister said that In addition, the cycle of import has been shortened to augment the supply in line with the demand .
Sri Singireddy Niranjan Reddy, agriculture Minister of Telangana met Shri Gowda at his office here today regarding the demand of urea in his State. He added that the State is witnessing a spurt in demand and consumption of urea by farmers due to better than expected monsoon and increase in area under cultivation this Kharif season as compared to last year. He requested the Minister to ensure adequate supply of Urea for Telangana.
Shri Gowda said that at present, the availability of fertilizers is comfortable across the country and the States already have enough stocks but even then if there is any demand due to the ongoing sowing, supply will be expedited, and urea will be made available in time to farmers. .
Prime Minister's Office
PM addresses delegates at the Kumbh Global Participation Event organized by ICCR
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations organized a special event at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi today, to felicitate delegates from 188 countries, who participated in the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, joined the 188 delegates for a historic group photo.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said he is happy to meet the delegates who have just returned from the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
He said that until one actually visits the Kumbh Mela, one cannot appreciate completely, what a great heritage it is. He said that this tradition has continued uninterrupted for thousands of years.
He said the Kumbh is as much about social reform as it is about spirituality. He said that the Kumbh has been a forum for discussion among spiritual leaders and social reformers, to chart a roadmap for the future, and monitor progress.
The Prime Minister said that the effort is now to blend modernity and technology, with faith, spirituality, and cultural consciousness, at the Kumbh Mela. He said that the world will recognize India, both for its modernity, and for its rich heritage. He thanked the delegates from across the world, and said that their participation has also been an important part of the success of the Kumbh.
The Prime Minister described the Indian Parliamentary elections as a “Kumbh of Democracy.” He said that just like the Kumbh Mela, Indian Parliamentary elections, with their huge scale and complete impartiality, can be a source of inspiration for the world at large. He said people from across the world must also come to see India conduct its Parliamentary election.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Government has taken a number of measures to curb malpractices in neem coating of urea: Shri Mansukh Lal Mandaviya
Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today, informed that the Government has taken a number of measures to curb malpractice of using spurious/cheap oil in lieu of neem oil in neem coating of urea, which are as follows:-
· Department of Fertilizers  from time to time has issued instructions to urea units for ensuring the quality of neem oil and to procure it from genuine neem oil manufacturers only.
· Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare , in an order dated 06th February, 2017, has amended the specification of Neem Coated Urea wherein a foot note regarding specification of neem oil has been included. DoF has directed all the urea manufacturers/importers to strictly adhere to the specification of neem oil used for the purpose of production of neem coated urea.
· DoF has requested DAC&FW to advise the Central Laboratories to lift samples of neem oil used for neem coated urea from the premises of urea manufacturing units to test its quality as per the specification of neem oil.
· DoF has advised all the urea manufacturers/importers to include the details of the production/import capacity and quantity of neem oil to be supplied to urea manufacturers/importers as a condition in the ‘Tender Notice’.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Access Permission from NHs
Total 1640 permissions have been granted by Ministry for access to private properties in the last three years.
Access permission for properties along National Highways is granted as per MoRTH circular No. RW-NH-33032/01/2017-S & R  dated 26.06.2020, wherein the charges for application processing fee, license fee, Bank guarantee, penalties etc. for different property types and cases have been detailed along with technical requirements for the assessing the suitability of the site along with the details of standards as per which the construction has to be completed by the applicants.
The guidelines for access permission have been framed keeping in view the aspect of road safety, seamless flow of traffic and so as to avoid any toll leakage/ pilferage. The simplified formats for assessing the technical suitability of the land parcel along with checklist of documents to be submitted by the applicants have been provided in the guidelines to guide the applicants. Further, to make the process more accessible, the applications for grant of access permission submitted through online portal.
The detailed guidelines with standard operating process  are simplified from time to time based on feedback received from the users.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
MJPS
(